Customer Generation Overview

We work to meet our customer's energy needs in the most cost-effective manner, seeking to maintain our low-cost provider status and minimizing the price impacts of acquiring energy. One such energy source is through our customers.

Customer generation – also referred to as private generation or distributed generation systems – are small-scale, on-site power sources located at or near customers' homes or businesses. Several different types of generation systems are available. Customer generated power can be made with renewable or non-renewable fuel sources; examples include small wind turbines, rooftop solar, internal combustion engines, gas turbines and fuel cells. Most smaller renewable generation projects require a customer generation agreement. For non-renewable systems, larger projects and depending on the purpose for the private generation system, other interconnection agreements can be made with the utility.

Safety and Reliability

Nearly all customers who choose to install private generation systems are connected to the grid. Rocky Mountain Power provides backup electricity when their generating source isn’t producing enough electricity to meet their needs. Because of this connection, private generation customers must work with Rocky Mountain Power to meet the requirements to keep the grid reliable and safe.

When a customer installs a private generation system, the customer must complete the private generation interconnection process, enter into an interconnection agreement, and receive written permission before operating a private generation system in parallel with Rocky Mountain Power’s electric distribution system. The purpose of the interconnection process is to protect other customers and employees from risks that could result from the improper installation of private generation.

More Information

The company facilitates private generation resources through six primary activities: